Use UK -made materials for the green revolution, say bosses and unions

Bosses and union leaders are calling for ministers to use British-made materials to build the eco-friendly houses, wind turbines and nuclear plants in the Government’s green strategy.

The steel industry has urged the Government to prioritise procuring the metal needed for the projects from the UK.

That would ensure a boost to jobs and skills as well as producing the environmentally friendly technology and infrastructure needed.

Boris Johnson’s green revolution is the type of project that could reinvigorate ‘foundation’ industries that produce the raw materials needed to make other products down the line.

Steel companies in particular are suffering during the pandemic because car and aerospace manufacturing have slumped.

Major firms such as British Steel have had to be sold to foreign buyers and many smaller plants have changed hands.

Gareth Stace, director general of UK Steel, said the sector was ready to supply steel for offshore wind, energy-efficient buildings, electric cars and hydrogen networks. 

He added: ‘It is critical the Government expands this infrastructure strategically, ensuring projects support UK jobs and growth.’

Justin Bowden, at the GMB trade union, said: ‘Ensuring the plan delivers an economic bang for every buck of taxpayer’s money means binding commitments those in receipt of Government subsidies and grants use UK supply chains.’